Helen's Top Shopping Spots

 

Malahide

Malahide is a small vibrant seaside town situated in North County Dublin. Even though a modern and cosmopolitan town, Malahide has somehow managed to retain a personal tone and a unique old world charm. There are an array of beautiful shops which offer top quality goods and service with a smile. The vibrant commercial side to Malahide is a testament to the care and attention paid by the business owners to their customer service and friendliness.

Malahide is not only a hot spot for shopping, but is also one of the most popular spots in Dublin to eat out offering a wide choice of top quality, world class restaurants offering superb food and an atmosphere second to none.

The newest boutique on the block is Neola @ Malahide. Former buyer for Brown Thomas – Ireland’s most exclusive department store Neola Kileen is no stranger to fashion. There is something for everyone and every occasion to be found in this adorable store with ornate chandeliers and bespoke handmade seating.

 

Castle Market, Dublin City 

Dublin city has several famous shopping areas including Grafton Street on the south side of the city and Henry Street just north of the River Liffey. But hidden away behind the Powerscourt Townhouse off Grafton Street and leading to the Georges Street arcade is a spot which has seen substantial development in recent years as a cool and trendy spot; and just a few minutes walk from Grafton Street.

Irish designer Helen McAlinden’s No 6 wraps around a corner of the courtyard. It is dark-painted outside, but when you step inside it's full of light, scattered with lovely objects, like the mirrors framed with pressed tin recovered from the ceilings of a 1930s New York apartment and not forgetting the racks of beautiful clothes.

Another delightful addition to the boutique-scape of Dublin is Caru on Drury Street. The blend of chic and vintage styles at Caru has something for all tastes, ranging from comfortable and easy-going day wear, to edgy evening trends and feminine dresses.

George’s Street Arcade is located off South Great George's Street; housing a colorful indoor market that will attack all senses - from the smell of Greek olives to the bright colours of Nepalese throws.This covered arcade features T-shirts, books and records, clothing, ethnic crafts, posters and a couple of nice gourmet food stalls. It's where a lot of artists, musicians and other young people about Dublin congregate. A good place for people-watching.

 

Kildare Village Outlet

A trip to Kildare Village Shopping Outlet makes an ideal shopping getaway. This is Ireland's take on the outlet "bargain" mall - a grouping of brand-name stores designed to convey a "village setting". The design and imagery of Kildare Village is inspired by the region’s stud farms and world renowned thoroughbred horse breeding industry.

Animated facades, a varied roofscape and rich landscaping, all contained in an open air mall, provide the perfect setting for a unique shopping experience. This resembles the infamous Woodbury Common in upstate New York. Only 60 minutes from Dublin, features fabulous, year-round reductions on over 40 sought-after designer brands specialising in wardrobe and home luxuries, beauty products and premium accessories.